PREHISTORIC human footprints, thought to date back thousands of years, have been discovered on Crosby beach.
Recent high tides have exposed the rare archaeological phenomenon – similar to those found for many years in silt beds on the beach at Formby.
Members of the public are now being asked to help monitor the coastal prints, in Crosby and Formby, as part of the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme.
The partnership scheme is externally funded mainly by the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund and other sources.
It is aimed at increasing knowledge and participation along the local Sefton coastline.
Project officer Fiona Sunners said: “The silt and clay beds have been just below the surface, but the recent high tides and strong winds have washed the sand from the surface.
“Two parallel tracks, approximately five metres long, were exposed and archaeologists are confident they are genuine and probably of the same broad date as those at Formby.
“The tracks have been analysed by Gordon Roberts, an expert in historic footprints, who believes they were made by three well-built adult males, possibly around 6ft tall, and whose stature indicates a protein rich diet.
“Perhaps they could be Mesolithic man – dating them to more than 4,000 years ago.
“With constant tidal movement, the footprints could be buried by sand very quickly so it is important that the footprints are recorded and the site monitored regularly.
“We are looking for volunteers as part of the Landscape Partnership Scheme to help undertake this task, both at Formby and now at Crosby.”
Blundellsands Councillor Paula Parry welcomed the discovery.
She said: “It’s thrilling that they have some more footprints at Crosby.
“We have wonderful heritage here.”
If you want to get involved in the ‘Archaeology Volunteers’ project or find out more about the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme, telephone 0151-934 2964 – or you can email landscape. partnership@sefton.gov.uk.
Alternatively you can visit www.seftonsnaturalcoast.com or www.facebook.com/ seftoncoast
Source
Recent high tides have exposed the rare archaeological phenomenon – similar to those found for many years in silt beds on the beach at Formby.
Members of the public are now being asked to help monitor the coastal prints, in Crosby and Formby, as part of the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme.
The partnership scheme is externally funded mainly by the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund and other sources.
It is aimed at increasing knowledge and participation along the local Sefton coastline.
Project officer Fiona Sunners said: “The silt and clay beds have been just below the surface, but the recent high tides and strong winds have washed the sand from the surface.
“Two parallel tracks, approximately five metres long, were exposed and archaeologists are confident they are genuine and probably of the same broad date as those at Formby.
“The tracks have been analysed by Gordon Roberts, an expert in historic footprints, who believes they were made by three well-built adult males, possibly around 6ft tall, and whose stature indicates a protein rich diet.
“Perhaps they could be Mesolithic man – dating them to more than 4,000 years ago.
“With constant tidal movement, the footprints could be buried by sand very quickly so it is important that the footprints are recorded and the site monitored regularly.
“We are looking for volunteers as part of the Landscape Partnership Scheme to help undertake this task, both at Formby and now at Crosby.”
Blundellsands Councillor Paula Parry welcomed the discovery.
She said: “It’s thrilling that they have some more footprints at Crosby.
“We have wonderful heritage here.”
If you want to get involved in the ‘Archaeology Volunteers’ project or find out more about the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme, telephone 0151-934 2964 – or you can email landscape. partnership@sefton.gov.uk.
Alternatively you can visit www.seftonsnaturalcoast.com or www.facebook.com/ seftoncoast
Source
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